There are some important things going on in the daily plumbing market. A bit worrying so to say. Since last year July (2009) the regulations have changed, if you change over your gas hot water system it has to be replaced with a 5-star unit, and for electric you'll have to change to solar, gas or a system that's called a heat pump. Recently we have carried out a lot of solar installations and I'm worried about the lifespan of these systems. Just to tell you this, I used to be a Lloyds registered weld inspector and I would like to share some information. Any metal that undergoes a temperature change will expand when it get warmer and contracts when it gets colder. You might have heard from your plumber to keep the setting on your hot water system to a medium setting in order to make it last longer, so basically what's happening is by moderating the temperature of the water we are looking after our cylinder. Back to the solar system it is an uncontrolled heat and the temperature can get up to 100°C on extreme hot weather days. The large scale of temperature change possibly 80°C between day and night on the panels causes a big strain on the system, this heat  during the daytime is also transferred to the cylinder. When hot water is being used during the evening it will be replaced by cold water and it causes a lot of stress on the cylinder as well. When this continuous expansion and contraction is taking place you will get the metal into a condition what we call metal fatigue and the cylinder will break. It doesn't matter if it is stainless steel or mild steel it will happen. You probably remember breaking a wire with your bare hands by repeatedly bending it. Another draw back is the fact that if a family of five all have a shower at night, you won't have hot water in the morning, because the idea of having solar is to keep the power ('J' tariff) off  during the warmer part of the year. If you did keep the power on you would be defeating the object because your 'J' tariff will come on at night so it's pointless having the sun heating up the system during daylight because the water has already been heated by the back up element.  Another draw back is that the uncontrolled heat will get the hot expansion valve to discharge water during the hotter part of the day and this might be very frustrating if your a water concious person. Also be aware that closed coupled systems on corrugated iron roofs are a big no-no unless you have a fitness certificate from a building inspector. However we have seen several sagged roofs when we changed anodes on these systems ( see anode section), over the period of time even on tiled roofs, by the time problems start to show your warranty period has long expired. Sometimes I think roofs are made for roof tiles to direct the rain water into the gutter and away from the house, and nothing else.

I needed to tell you this because the investment of $5000+ might not be the investment you where looking for. 

Last year alone we have installed over 100 heat pumps which will heat the system to a steady 60°C. The heat pump is in effect a refrigerated air conditioner where we use the heat indirectly to heat the systems hot water. Many people have queries about the noise level of heat pumps but not once have we had a complaint from any of our customers about the noise level. The noise level of a heatpump is about 15 decibels below the noise level of an air conditioner.  If air conditioners run during warm nights you don't hear people complain either.

Anyway that's off my chest and I hope you'll find this usefull information. If you need any more information or have any questions just drop us a line and we are more than willing to answer your query,

Kind regards, Frans sterk, Director GASWATCH AUSTRALIA Pty Ltd.

When it comes to domestic gas appliances, we know how important it is to find the right tradesperson for the job. That's why GASWATCH provides gas installation and appliance service and offers the GASWATCH plan to give people complete peace of mind.

If you're looking for gas appliance technician, visit our website and see what we've got on offer or call GASWATCH on 1300 49 28 24. We can help you with reliable, qualified technicians to repair and service:

• Gas and electric hot water systems
• Gas ovens and cook tops
• Gas space and central heaters
• Domestic and commercial appliances

Free quotes

All jobs are quoted over the phone before any work begins, subject to site inspection. Your gas technician will also obtain your final approval of their work before you pay, to make sure you are completely satisfied - and may even offer helpful tips for preventing future problems!

GASWATCH guarantee

Before we leave, we'll hand you a certificate of compliance as required by law in situations where a coc has to be issued.

Gas appliance maintenance

When you buy a new gas appliance, it is essential to make sure it is installed by a licensed gas fitter. Ongoing maintenance of your gas appliances is also essential to keep them operating safely and efficiently. Call GASWATCH and we'll arrange for one of our gas technicians to install or service your gas appliances.

New appliance which one to get?

We have prepared an information pack for customers on what's involved when it comes to the installation of appliances. It's not always as straight forward as people may think.

Too often we hear that when the storage hot water cylinder goes on the blink we will have one of them instant ones, obviously meaning an instantaneous water heater. However people don't know that to be able to get the right flow of water you will have to get an instantaneous water heater with a high water flow.

It is not unheard of that a customer changed from a storage hot water cylinder to an instantaneous unit and within a couple of weeks back to a storage hot water cylinder again. The simple reason is that a storage hot water cylinder provides hot water at mains water pressure, for an instantaneous unit to provide a similar water flow at the tap as a storage hot water cylinder you will have to go for an instantaneous hot water heater with a minimum capacity of 21 litres per minute. In some of the situations explained the storage hot water storage cylinder was replaced with an instantaneous hot water unit with a capacity of 16 litres of hot water per minute.

Now in order to supply an instantaneous hot water unit with sufficient gas to heat that 21 litres per minute it needs a considerable amount of gas. The rating for a storage hot water cylinder is around the 36 Mj/h but an instantaneous hot water unit needs to have something like 170Mj/h that is well over 5 times as much gas !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.

Now just to clarify this the storage hot water unit can heat over a long period of time whereas the instantaneous hot water unit needs it on demand. So, it simply means that if you want to change from a storage hot water cylinder to an instantaneous hot water unit, 9 times out of 10. you will have to have the gas installation pipe increased.

Also what is hardly ever taken into account is that the units of 17 litres per minute and higher are electronically controlled units and would need a power point in the vicinity of the unit. We from GASWATCH work closely with registered qualified electricians who can carry out that part of the job for you as well.  This type of unit brings with it that a touch pad can be installed which can be set at say for instance 40°c, that is exactly what will come out of your hot water tap, no mixing with cold water and wasting energy.

From July the first 2008 new laws have affected all licensed plumbers who install hot water systems in South Australian homes.

Residential hot water systems are a significant cause of greenhouse gases and the new laws are aimed at reducing these emissions to help the environment.

The new laws apply to hot water systems being installed in new or renovated homes and when existing hot water systems are replaced at the end of their working life. The new laws do not apply to working hot water systems in homes or hot water systems used in commercial premises.

To operate within these new laws, plumbers will need to determine what types of hot water system they will be legally able to install in homes. The new standards have seen a change in the type of hot water system installed. The alternatives vary in different situations. If your on gas for example you'll find that your new gas unit has to be a 5 star unit meaning higher efficiency.  Five star hot water cylinders are more efficient by getting more heat out of the flue gases. Instantaneous units no longer work with pilot lights and when a new hot water system  is installed the shower heads need to be equipped with water saving discs, not only for water saving purpose but also to keep your energy costs down.

For electric hot water storage heater owners the changes can be rather painful in the back pocket.  If you lived in your house prior to the 1^st of July 2008 you can still change your cylinder to the one you've got at the moment up until the 1^st of July 2009.

If you moved into your house after the 1^st of July 2008 and your hot water service breaks down you will need to get gas installed to your house or you will have to change your system to solar electric boosted or a heat pump. The last two systems are explained on the  ' which water heater to use pro's and con's' page. This rule will apply to everybody with an electric hot water system from the 1^st of July 2009.

There is a considerable price tag these two systems they will probably set you back $ 4500 without the rebates. However rebates can vary to different situations and circumstances. If there is gas in your neighborhood it might be worth considering gas. A gas line installed by the gas board would cost you currently $165 and will be installed to the boundary line of your property (usually in line with your letterbox and water meter). We know it doesn't all end there because you still need the pipe dug in the ground to your house and connected to your appliance but it might outweigh the cost of the two electric options. GASWATCH use NEIGHBORHOOD MINI DIGGERS from Morphett Vale for their trenching jobs and the skill and knowledge of this sub contractor is second to none.

Just to go back to the introduction of these important new laws they have been widely promoted by the government to all South Australians but it still leaves our customers with a lot of confusion.

With the anode side of our business we find that for some people an anode change is a lot of money to pay, let alone to change the unit 'like for like' when it breaks down but it must be an astronomical amount of money for many of us if you have to spend twice as much if you have to change from the standard electric water heating to the heat pump or solar electric boosted.

We are in the process of finding out if the most needed in our society can get any concessions from anywhere to make sure that they can have hot water like everybody else.

We all know that nothing lasts forever, there will be a time when your water heater gives up the ghost.

Think about it now before it breaks down which water heater you want to go for next. If you want to stick to the same type of heater as you've got now that question is easily answered. However it would need to be a 5 star unit as from the first of July this year if it's a gas appliance. If yours is electric, if you've lived in your house prior to the 1 of July 2008, you can still change it  'like for like' however that's all going to change in July 2009.  If you have an electric storage cylinder and it breaks down after the 1^st of July 2009 you'll have to change it for a solar electric system or a system what is called a heat pump.  Both systems are well in the excess of $ 3000 installed including all the rebates.

5 STAR rating

GAS APPLIANCES

GAS STORAGE HOT WATER CYLINDERS

The 5 star storage hot water heaters have been on the market for quite some time but weren't compulsory.

How they work

Instead of the heat going through the flue pipe and coming out of the top of the water heater, this heat is now also directed on the outside of the cylinder and comes out halfway down at the front.

In effect the heat has been used twice now on the inside and the outside and therefore we have gained higher efficiency of the unit, and we're using less gas. It does bring with, that the flue gases are cooler than from the old system and will be more visible. (steam coming out of the unit)

DISADVANTAGE

People who have got  90 liter or 80 liter hot water services need to be aware that for a replacement they have to go to a unit of 130 or 135 liter. The smaller capacity cylinders are not manufactured   with 5 star technology. However manufacturers say that the efficiency of the bigger unit is better than the existing smaller units. It's still is the ugly looking cylinder often in the wrong place e.g undercover are, patio.

ADVANTAGE

If it's like for like there's no problem and you will keep on getting your hot water like you used to. Once you open the tap water will come through instantly, compared to an instantaneous unit which wastes a little bit of water in the starting up process.

INSTANTANEOUS WATER HEATERS

Highflow models

Despite the small size, the Highflow range provides higher capacities than ever before with flow rates including 17, 21 and the even higher 26 litres per minute.  State-of-the-art technology monitors heater function at all times, from fan speed to water pressure, from incoming temperature to gas modulation, from diagnostic functions to precise outlet temperatures.

Able to deliver temperatures accurate to single degrees, the Highflow range allows the user to select the temperature by using up to 4 optional temperature control pads.

Digitally controlled, the outlet water temperature remains set at all times, to ensure that families can bathe safely.

The electronically controlled range of water heaters is at its most effective when coupled with temperature controllers. Each appliance is capable of handling up to 4 controllers.  This allows precise control of water temperature throughout the kitchen, bathroom, laundry and en suite.

Accessories available include the recess box (fully enclosed and lockable) and pipe cover.

DISADAVANTAGE

The only snag is these higher output units most likely need the gas supply pipe size increased.       Just imagine that in order to heat 17 liters, or more, of water per minute we need a fair bit of gas to achieve that. It would need the installation of a power point near the unit since it is electronically controlled.

ADVANTAGE

Gas consumption can be significantly reduced when using a control pad. If installed in a recess box it is hardly visible. On the high flow models you'll also find that if somebody else is drawing hot water in the kitchen whilst your having your shower, the pressure drop is minimal.

Hydropower - The new generation of hot water systems
Forget about installing a power point next to your new hot water system, replacing batteries that have died or trying to light an extinguished pilot light. How can you light a flame with water?             You can! The new generation of instantaneous hot water systems uses Hydropower technology.
The Hydropower system uses the power of water to ignite the pilot light. As soon as the water tap is opened, the water flowing through the tank drives a turbine in the hydrodynamic generator, which creates the electrical energy required to ignite the pilot. This means that only gas and water connections are required and batteries or power supply are no longer needed.

Key advantages:

• Energy savings - Unlike conventional systems, a constant burning ignition flame is no longer required in stand-by mode.
• Low emissions - Machines with Hydropower technology consume up to 25 percent less gas than conventional gas hot water systems that use an ignition flame.
• Economy - Less energy consumption means lower running costs.

DISADVANTAGE
It takes a few more litres of water before the hot water comes through because there is a starting up process involved with the instantaneous systems.

However if you changed from a hot water storage cylinder (mains pressure hot water) to one of the instantaneous units at 16 liters per minute you will find that the water flow has dramatically dropped and its very well possible that you're not satisfied then what you where used to.                                     If you wanted to change from a hot water storage cylinder to an instantaneous unit we would always recommend an instantaneous unit that can give you at least 21 liters of hot water per minute.

It needs to be investigated to see if the gas pipe installation you've currently got can carry sufficient gas for this unit, the gas pressure coming from the gas meter.

I any case when you're ready we'll come over and can check this out for you.

SOLAR GAS BOOSTED

Solar gas boosted is a split system where the panels are mounted on the roof and a cylinder at ground level.  The cylinder has got a booster unit fitted at the front which is the same as an instantaneous water heater. The system does require a pump that circulates the water from the hot water storage cylinder to the panels on the roof.  When a sensor measures the temperature and it's not hot enough it will divert the water through the instantaneous unit and heat it as to requirement.

ADVANTAGE

As with any solar unit you can benefit from free hot water throughout the summer. It can be positioned on a part of the roof where it will minimize the long draw off when you open a hot water tap.

DISADAVANTAGE

There are many moving parts in this system which are liable to break downs and surely the installation and purchase cost are a lot higher than other systems.

ELECTRIC STORAGE HEATERS

These units will be phased out as from next year July completely. It has to be changed over to a heat pump or a solar electric unit. Both systems are not cheap to install.

THE HEAT PUMP

The basic principle of a heat pump water heater is similar to a refrigerator working in reverse. When hot water is drawn off and cold water enters the tank, the thermostat activates a fan, a compressor and a circulator.  The fan draws outside air in through the air inlet louvers at the top of the water heater and the pump circulates water from the bottom of the storage tank and through a heat exchanger. Heat is absorbed from the air by an evaporator and transferred into the water through the heat exchanger.

Sounds all rather technical and complicated and it needs to be mentioned what cost would be involved when the unit breaks down.

SOLAR ELECTRIC

In our view Solar electric would be the best way to go. No moving parts apart from the element that will only be used in the winter time. By having the panels and hot water cylinders close coupled on the roof there's no need for a pump to run and circulate the water, this is all a natural process. Water heated in the panels will rise, like hot air does, into the cylinder which is installed above the panels.

It can be positioned on a part of the roof where it will minimize the long draw off when you open a hot water tap.

DISADAVANTAGE

Water discharge for hours from the hot expansion valve, could interfere with the soundness of the roof, the system can get very hot and cause premature failure of the system.

The power to the unit can be switched of for approximately 6 months of the year, and there is no other process involved than the sun heating the water.

As you can see from the explanation above there are quite a few things to consider before you have your new hot water service. And if you think about it now when you're hot water service comes to the end of its working life it makes sense to make sure you get what you want next. A new unit can be on the wall or roof for that matter for 15-20 years if it's looked after.

Set your thermostat between 18°C to 20°C. Every  1°C higher can means  an increase in your running cost by around 10 to 15 %.

• On sunny winter days, take advantage of free solar warmth by pulling back the curtains on north facing windows and letting the sunshine in.
• Make sure you adjust thermostats and timers seasonally. Also if you have underfloor heating make sure you turn it off when the warmer weather starts.
• Keep doors to unused rooms shut while heaters are on - only heat rooms that are being occupied.
• Turn off heaters in your living areas before going to bed. This is because your house will generally continue to retain its warmth for a few hours.
• Try using and extra blanket instead of an electric blanket. And dress appropriately for the cooler seasons - so you can reduce the temperature of heating appliances ( and vice - versa for the summer)
• Seal gaps around doors where they appear with weather stripping or ' Door Snakes '.
• Seal fire places when not in use
• Keep reflectors on heaters clean and free of dust, and service filters regularly.
• Cover your windows with thick curtains or blinds to help reduce heat loss. Insulated drapes are even more effective during both summer and winter.
• Insulate your home. Insulation can be easily installed in the ceiling of existing homes. It can also be installed under timber floors, where crawl space is available.

HOT WATER SYSTEMS

The Australian Greenhouse Office reports that 27% of the energy consumed in an average Australian home is used for heating water.

In fact depending on the type of water heating you have, hot water could count for up to half of your home's energy consumption. Try these saving ideas:

• If you're going on holidays, switch off your electric hot water storage unit or use the 'vacation' setting where available (but remember, some units need time to reheat overnight.)
• Get someone to check the thermostat on your hot water system, and reset if it's too high. Remember that most hot water system thermostats should only be adjusted by a qualified person, and that storage systems can't be set below 60°C ( in the tank ) for health reasons. As a quick check, test the hot water temperature at the point of delivery. It should be between 55°C and 60°C. In summer the water from the mains is a few degrees warmer in summer and usually at that time of year you would like to shower a bit cooler.
• Fix that drip! A tap dripping 45 times per minute wastes around 100 liters of water per month.
• Install AAA-rated water efficient showerheads. You'll enjoy significant savings on both your energy and water bills.
• Make sure the pipes from your hot water system are insulated to prevent heat loss.
• Install a solar boosted hot water unit for significant savings on sunny days.

SELECTING APPLIANCES USING ENERGY RATINGS.

When buying a new appliance, it's important to consider both cost of buying the appliance, as well as the cost of running the appliance. In some cases a more expensive appliance might cost you less in the long run if it's more efficient due to lower running costs.

Energy labels can help you to work out the cost of running an appliance.

GAS APPLIANCES

The gas efficiency rating applies to gas appliances. The more stars the more efficient the appliance. Multiply the average number of mega joules consumed per year (shown on the label) by the cost of gas per mega joule ( you can get this information of your gas retailer ).

Often we get called out to households where the gas meter has been changed , before the new meter is commissioned , a soundness test is carried out to make sure its safe to turn the gas back on. If your not in at the time of the meter change you might find a note in your letter box to say that your gas has been turned off because a leak in the system was suspected.

It could be that when the gas was turned off a pilot light on your heater didn't close of the gas supply, which is what it should do when its working properly. We have found leaks in galvanized gas pipe work in roof spaces, the sealing compound used on joints in the past had dried up after a long period of temperature changes, the compound started to crack and gas was coming out.

Galvanized pipe work in the ground was found corroded and is sometimes in such a condition that it collapses under the weight of the soil above it.  Often you can see these kind of leaks in spots where the ground is drier than elsewhere in the garden, we've seen branches of trees dying off because the roots of the tree are in the area of the underground gas leak, so if you can't smell it you could look for these sort of signs. But most of all you will be able to see it in your gas bill.  Another easy way to detect any gas leak, is by turning off all gas appliances and take note of the dial of the gas meter. Write down the setting and check it again half an hour later and reference the 2 readings with each other. There should be no difference in the readings.

If your not sure give us a shout and we can check it for you there is a charge involved though. And if  it does come to renewing gas pipe or fixing appliance problems your at the right address.

It often works out that the cost of a repair is no way near as expensive as the high gas bill you need to pay every quarter.

Under no circumstances should you try and find a gas leak with a lighter, you probably think why give us such silly advice, but we are all human beings and we all make mistakes, and gas is one of these things that should not be taken for granted, leave it to the experts.

Upon completion of any gas work we check the installation for soundness it is the responsibility of the gas fitter to make sure he leaves it safe with his customer.

TESTIMONIAL

21 December 2007

To the Operations Manager

Gaswatch Australia

Po Box 49

Woodcroft 5162

Dear Sir,

Whilst it was a shock to learn that you had detected a gas leak when we simply wanted the clock and light fixed on our oven. I can report that there has already been a noticeable drop in our gas account and more importantly a removal of the risk of a fire or explosion.

I appreciate the time the engineer took to locate the leak and the professional manner in which he undertook in repairing the leak and restoring the wall afterwards. More importantly few tradesman show respect for a home or clean up after themselves. This was most appreciated.

My wife was also pleased that your engineer was able to fix the clock and not have to replace it

I would be more than happy to recommend your company to anyone

Yours sincerely

Paul Worthington

Just to mention a few

Man unhurt in gas explosion in Adelaide house

A man has escaped a gas explosion at a house at Brahma Lodge in Adelaide's northern suburbs.

Police think he was trying to light a gas oven when it exploded, at the house on The Strand.

They say the man is unhurt.

John Foody from the Metropolitan Fire Service says the explosion blew out the front windows and the back wall of the house.

"In the front rooms the floorboards have lifted up, whole sections have been dislodged from the floor so once again a major blast," he said.

A neighbour Denise Ratsch heard the blast from across the road.  "Just an enormous explosion, sounded like big truck had bashed into something," she said.

There was also a big gas explosion at a house at Goodwood last week, which injured three people. Investigators have confirmed that natural gas caused the Goodwood blast, but say the source is unclear.

The Office of the Technical Regulator says early findings show there was no gas appliance leaking inside the house. It is waiting to interview two women who remain in hospital.

The Technical Regulator Robert Faunt says they are investigating how the gas became concentrated under the floorboards. "We're unsure where that gas has come from. It could come from the pipe that's coming into the house, it may have come from the street and could have possibly come from sewer gas potentially," he said.

"It may be one of those investigations where you never find out for sure where the gas has come from.

"The message that comes out of this … is that if people ever smell gas it's very important that they do report it and have it investigated."

Anode Guard – All about anodes

These are the undisputed facts…the facts and nothing but the facts. Every brand of mains pressure storage heaters with enamel (glass) lined tanks is fitted with between one and two anodes, to ensure corrosion cannot take place during the warranty period. These can last for as little as 2-5 years (dependent on water quality) before being expended, and thereafter allowing corrosion of the cylinder to commence.

IMPORTANT NEWS FOR ELECTRIC STORAGE HOT WATER CYLINDER OWNERS SOLAR OR HEAT PUMP

As from July 2009 electric storage hot water cylinder owners in most cases will have to change to either solar, gas or a heat pump when their exisitng hot water system needs replacing. If you change to solar or a heat pump these system range from $4000+ for a heat pump installed or $5000+ for a solar hot water system. Upon installation you will be able to claim relevant rebates so at the moment you will be allright, however in the future you will be up for the full cost yourself. Many belief that when the rebates stop the price of the units will come down, but if you paid around the $1500 before to have a cylinder replaced I don't think a manufacturer will drop the price by $ 2000 for a heat pump or a solar system. All I'm saying is look after your investment, in many cases we found that if you spent $ 160 every 4 years for a standard anode replacement you can extend the life of the cylinder in some cases even threefold. Give us a call or sent an Email with your queries.